Gambling disorder cases skyrockets in states where sports betting is legal
The number of gambling disorder cases has surged in U.S. states where sports betting has been legalized, according to recent data.
Background
- In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting, leaving each state to decide whether to legalize it. Since then, over 30 states have legalized sports gambling, most through mobile apps.
- "Gambling disorder" (also called pathological gambling or gambling addiction) is a recognized mental health condition characterized by compulsive betting despite negative consequences.
- Twitter account @cremieuxrecueil (Cremieux) is a data-focused commentator who frequently analyzes public health and social statistics, often highlighting unintended consequences of policy changes.
- The tweet points to a surge in clinical diagnoses of gambling addiction following widespread legalization, suggesting that making sports betting more accessible has increased the population-level harm associated with it.